Photo © Kevin Lozaw
WELCOME to my web page. Chances are you are visiting because you are a friend, relative, or fellow fan of cars, especially the Plymouth brand. Or perhaps a Google search for Plymouth Rock as part of your Fourth Grade history project took an unexpected detour. However you got here, I hope you will spend a few moments checking out my collection, past and present.
Several years ago, I decided to collect at least one Plymouth from each decade the Chrysler Corporation produced the brand (1928–2001). My plan was to research each car’s history to the extent possible, restore the car to health where necessary, and drive along the open roads of America. Thus far, my Plymouths and I have explored Route 66, the Lincoln Highway, and the backroads of New England, and we are just getting started. Over the years, I've curated my collection a bit, releasing some vehicles to new custodians. I have also been distracted by some bright shiny non-Plymouth autos, a few of which have joined my car corral.
As you will see, I am not a gearhead. I admire automotive styling, and I love history. Each of these cars is a rolling chronicle, and collectively they weave a tapestry of 20th Century America. My fascination with cars began with my Dad, who for some reason remained loyal to the Plymouth brand all his life. On most Sunday afternoons during my Wonder Years, he and I would visit the local Plymouth dealership to inspect the cars on display (you can read an essay by clicking on the “My Stories” link in the menu to the left). I would be in our backyard, completing some weekly chore after church, and he would stroll from the house, look around at nothing in particular, and remark, “Looks like a nice day for a drive.” And we would be on our way.
Like all of us, each car on this site has followed a unique course on its journey along the highways and byways of life. There have been some unusual twists and turns, along with more mundane travel in the slow lane. Some events are lost to history and shrouded in mystery forever. Maybe you will recognize a place or memory from your past, or maybe you will be inspired to embark on your own motoring adventure around the block or across the country. I will update this site as I learn more and create new adventures, so please check back from time to time.
This website would not be possible without the assistance of my sister and her company—Maryellen Kennedy Duckett, President, Media Development Group, Inc. I am also grateful to my friend Kevin Lozaw for the photos of the 1973 Gran Sedan that do not involve flames. Most of the cars themselves would be compacted blocks of oxidized iron without the heroic efforts of Jack L. Hunt Auto in San Rafael, California, and Mike Mancini’s American Muscle Car Restoration in North Kingstown, Rhode Island.
Wherever life leads you after your visit here, safe travels, and never let your auto club membership expire. If I have learned one thing from owning Plymouths, it is this: Always be kind to the guy at the side of the road awaiting a tow truck, because one day you will be that guy.